Chilling photo shows dad and son smiling in cockpit before plane crashes

18 December 2023 , 10:48

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Lane Kokshoorn and his son were described as 'avid aviators' (Image: Facebook)

A chilling photo shows an experienced pilot and his son smiling from the cockpit of a plane before it crashed and erupted into flames.

Lane Kokshoorn and his 10-year-old son, who is yet to be named, tragically died when the recreational kit plane clipped a set of powerlines and crashed at a property near the city of Grafton in Australia last week Tuesday.

The "avid aviators” were pronounced dead at the scene of the freak accident after the Highlander Rotax 914UL burst into flames. In the photo, the dad and son were both beaming from ear to ear. The boy was wearing a hat and was placed on the passenger seat next to his dad who was also wearing a hat and sunglasses.

The plane broke apart on impact with the ground (TNV)

Tributes for the "devoted" dad and his son have poured in as people sent their love online, reports News AU. One friend wrote on Facebook : "I have no words, so-so sorry to the entire Kokshorns clan. Much love at this tragic time." Another person commented: "Sending all of our love at this incredibly difficult time. Holding you in my thoughts – I’m so sorry." While a third said: “My heart breaks for you all, I’m so very sorry for the loss of Lane and his baby boy. Much love to you and your family xx.”

The pair had left the Southport Flying Club at around 9am to fly over the town of Lilydale and the city of Grafton. They are thought to have stopped to rest overnight before they proceeded with their journey on Tuesday morning. The pair were believed to be heading in a westerly direction before the aircraft crashed with impact. Emergency services rushed to the scene including paramedics, police and the State Emergency Service. Despite their best efforts, they sadly died at the scene. Mr Koksjorrn's LinkedIn profile states he previously worked as a captain for BHMM Aviation on the Gold Coast and a pilot for Cobham Aviation in Perth. According to the profile, the doting dad also worked for private airline charters in Brisbane.

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Lane Kokshoorn was an experienced pilot and frequently went on adventures with his son (LinkedIn)

Acting Inspector Aaron van Schaik said: "A recreational aircraft clipped a powerline, as a consequence of that then crashed onto the banks of the Clarence River. Unfortunately, the plane caught fire after the impact.” Steve Rance, aerodrome manager at the Southport Flying Club, said Mr Kokshoorn would visit the club “four to five times a week”. He described the pair to be “happy as anything” before they went on their final trip, according to The Daily Telegraph.

"We are just devastated by the whole situation,” he said. "I feel heartbroken for his partner. It’s something she will never get over." The Australian Transport Safety Bureau confirmed it is not investigating the incident. However, NSW Police and the Recreational Aviation Australia are continuing with investigations into the tragedy. The funeral for the pair will be held "in celebration of their lives" on December 22. The invite described the duo as "two beautiful souls".

Monica Charsley